In a surprise statement, Nebraska head coach Bill Callahan said on Monday that sophomore running back Leon Jackson has decided to leave the NU football program.

Jackson came into the spring of 2006 with high hopes to earn playing time at running back, but he spent most of the spring working behind sophomores Marlon Lucky and Cody Glenn and highly touted junior college transfer Kenny Wilson will join the team this fall.

"Leon Jackson made the decision today to leave Nebraska," Callahan said. "We want to thank Leon for his contributions and efforts and we wish him well in his future endeavors."

"We have been extremely supportive of Leon Jackson's development in our football program and we are disappointed to see him leave so early in his career."